The Collie shares the same heritage as the rest of the sheepdogs of the British Isles. It traces back to the herding mastiffs of the invading Roman armies under Julius Caesar, perhaps with a touch of Viking spitz added later on. For centuries, the Collie, or Scotch Collie, more or less resembled the modern Border Collie. These all-purpose farm dogs came in different varieties suited … Continue reading Collie
Many a dog lover has watched a good Border Collie at work and gone home with a passion for herding. But if you haven’t grown up with working stockdogs, training one for the first time can seem daunting. While no book can replace experience as a way to master the nuances of handling livestock, with or without a dog, Stockdog Savvy by husband-and-wife team Jeanne … Continue reading Stockdog Savvy
Thinking about getting some chicks this spring? It’s not too early to start considering what kind you’d like to keep—you may even be able to reserve some at your hatchery. For those of you who still haven’t quite decided on the right breeds to keep, this chick selector tool from Murray McMurray Hatchery can be a big help. Using the chick selector is easy. Just … Continue reading Murray McMurray Chick Selector
Hard to believe that November is already just around the corner! Take some time on those chilly fall evenings to learn from nature and pull inspiration from innovative farmers and gardeners. And while you’re sitting at the table with family this Thanksgiving, remember to give thanks for the simple things. Learn lessons from the bison. Discover that you can farm. Eat your egg yolks. Explore … Continue reading Get Ready for November 2016
October is just around the corner! Are you ready to start a business, explore nature, and live by faith? Start and run your own small farm business. Find out how livestock are upgraded. Explore options for super-small-scale farms. Identify the wildflowers and grasses of Kansas. Love God with all your mind. Save money on seeds. See the stars. Understand the importance of the 100th meridian … Continue reading Get Ready for October 2016
Are you ready for fall? Spend a little time watching the birds, caring for the animals, and stocking the pantry. Invest in a dog owner’s home veterinary handbook. Feed your backyard birds. Discover why people built round barns. Stock up for the winter. Learn about pH. Weigh the pros and cons of draft animals. Explore the K-State weather data library. Open up the breeding toolbox. … Continue reading Get Ready for September 2016
Looking for something a little different than the typical barnyard chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese? You may be surprised at the usefulness and marketing potential of some of these unusual birds. Guineas Guineas are the watchdogs of the poultry world. Their loud shrieks and repetitive calls can serve to warn less alert chickens or even goats of predators. Not all guineas get along with … Continue reading 6 Unique Types of Exotic Poultry
Get ready for spring! It’s time to plan new projects, start a garden, and get outside to enjoy nature. Start a new garden or orchard. Plan your farm water system. Take on the 5-minute brainstorming challenge. Learn more about growing your favorite vegetables. Learn about the breeding birds of Kansas. Start a farm journal. Find creative uses for all those extra eggs. Discover the power … Continue reading Get Ready for March 2016
Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she has laid an asteroid. —Mark Twain Continue reading Quote of the Week: Noise
If you keep your own flock of laying hens, it can be very difficult to throw that beautiful orange egg yolk down the drain. After all, you know that one of your own chickens worked hard to produce that yolk, and you might even know which hen produced it! Besides, that vibrant homegrown egg yolk certainly looks healthier than the pale yellow one that is … Continue reading Eat Your Egg Yolks
